Day on the Shore
With high humidity and nationwide heat waves, many brought out the convertibles and headed for the shoreline.
Letter From the Editor: Go Forward with Kindness
From the Editor,
When I began this website in December, the fear of not being able to find the right words sat on my mind like mist to glass. Always there; ever-so gently reminding me of its presence as I tried to envision my ideas or thoughts.
Over the past 46 hours, the mist became a flood as I fought to understand the information coming to me, and fought harder on how to report it to all of you. I waded through the reports as I floated between my position as a member of the press, and as a member of the community.
Inevitably, I was the one who broke the news to some of you that our community lost two of its members. Those were the hardest words I’ve ever had to type - and I feel that you should know: I am here with all of you - I will not remain behind my computer screen. I am here with you. As your neighbor: I am so sorry.
In times of grief, disaster, or loss - we feel a collective desire to do something to help; anything. We email our leaders, we call our family, we text our friends; anything.
Love those around you harder, wave to your neighbors, learn the name of the person behind the deli counter, put your phone on silent, or go for a walk along the beach; anything.
Find what allows you and your family the time to process. Be honest with your children, be honest with yourself, and be honest in knowing that this is not easy.
If you are concerned about inadvertently seeing articles or photos about this tragedy, please view the Good News Only filter of our site to give yourself a moment to breathe. We all need a moment.
Please keep family, friends, educators, and first responders in your nearest thoughts as we go forward.
And - go forward with kindness. Because if anything can be done, it’s being kind.
In partnership,
Jaime Bairaktaris, Executive Editor & Founder
The Westport Local Press
The following resources are available for those who are in need of support:
Westport Together - Online resources
Westport Department of Human Services - Local resources
RULER Method for Children’s Social Emotional Learning - Parent resources
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 - National Resources for Mental Health
Connecticut Mobile Psychiatric Crisis Team: Call 211 - Connecticut Resources
Kids in Crisis: 203-327-KIDS - 24 Hour Connecticut Kids’ Crisis Counselors
Suicide Lifeline: 203-273-TALKS - National Lifeline
Connecticut’s Black Civil War Regiments Were Part of Juneteenth
The 29th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, Beaufort, South Carolina. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs DivisionDistinguished in their service, the 29th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers soldiered on in spite of segregation and state-wide prejudice.
By: Westport Museum for History & Culture
29th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers, Beaufort, South Carolina. Photo/Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs DivisionConnecticut is intricately tied up in the history of Juneteenth, the (now) Federal holiday commemorating the final emancipation of enslaved African-Americans at the end of the Civil war on June 19th, 1865. The 29th Connecticut Colored Infantry Regiment alongside their compatriots from the CT 31st Colored Infantry Regiments were sent to enforce the emancipation of enslaved people and oversee the peaceful transition of power from the Confederacy. The two units, who had seen action throughout the war, arrived in Texas on June 10th and remained until they were mustered out of service in November of 1865.
The heroic service of these soldiers continued despite the pro-slavery stance in Connecticut where towns like Westport had long depended on the local enslavement of native people and African Americans for economic prosperity until 1848. After enslavement ended in the state, Connecticut manufacturers and insurance agents continued to profit from southern slave plantations which bought, clothing, grain, shoes, and insurance policies for and on enslaved people. Connecticut willingly complied with the Fugitive Slave Acts of 1793 and 1850 which compelled states to send self-emancipated enslaved person back to their enslavers in the South even if captured in free territory.
In the early days of the war, free African American Connecticut men were not allowed to serve, just as they were not in the beginning of the American Revolution. As with the War for Independence, desperation for conscripts, eased the restriction and eighty percent of all eligible Black men in Connecticut enlisted and fought on behalf of the union. The town of Westport, and others, put up a bond or bonus for enlistment to lure local Euro-Americans like Benjamin Toquet into joining the fight. His letters home tell a story of local views on slavery, African-Americans and the war effort.
After the Civil War, the US Government did not allow African American veterans to form National Guard Units. In New Haven, this led to the independent formation of a military preparedness unit called the Wilkins Guard, named after the first Black Man to enlist in the Connecticut Civil War regiments. The Army’s lack of preparedness at the start of World War I, meant that “colored” guardsmen had to be taken seriously and the 1st Separate Company of the Connecticut National Guard. Was formed. The unit was called up for World War I service in the summer of 1917 and was combined with the 372nd Regiment, U.S. Army and 371st infantry—two other “colored” units. Together, they were among the only units prepared for the war.
Image of Soldiers Memorial, Company B, 29th Regiment, Connecticut Volunteers. Photo/State Archives, Connecticut State LibraryTo maintain standards of American segregation, the US Army advised French allies in World War I that French and African American officers should not “fraternize” in accordance with social standards in the United States. The French declined to comply and commanding general Mariano Goybet later formally commended the 372nd unit for its exemplary valor at the Battle of Champagne.
Learn more with Westport Museum’s Juneteenth Tuesday Treasure video, here or join the Museum’s Destination Westport: Hidden History, Black Stories walking tour, available throughout the summer.
I-95 Northbound Traffic Caused by Early Morning Bridgeport Accident; Be Patient
An accident was reported on I-95 in the northbound lanes, prior to exit 26 at around 6:45 this morning.
Traffic from the accident, and several more in between exits 18 and 26, have crippled the commute as backups reach the Westport community. The DoT say that the scene is still active at 10:50 this morning. Leave extra time when moving about today.